GoFuckYourself.com - Adult Webmaster Forum - View Single Post - cat owners.. how do you pick the right kitten?

skitten · 08-08-2003, 07:50 AM

QUOTE]Originally posted by Ironhorse

Wow, that's Valium 'mellow' unless you have a dweeb little doggie [/QUOTE]

No way - both of our cats are super mellow around the dog - and we have a pit bull! (Both of our kitties are orange by the way)

I have always had cats (and always will) and I have noticed that when picking a kitten, the ones which are purring tend to be the best (although purring does not always denote happiness - it is a good indicator)

Also, try to remember that kittens are babies - be patient - they will eventually stop crying & whining and in time, even get used to the dog. Kittens scratch because they aren't able to retract their claws - and they nibble because they are teething - this too will stop.

There is a process which is known as "gentling". Handling an unruly cat can sometimes be difficult, but by training him from kittenhood to be handled, you'll be able to groom, clip toenails, and examine him routinely with his full cooperation. I am able to bathe both of my cats and brush their teeth - with virtually no resistance (it doesn't mean they are pleased...but it does show that they trust me and that they are not uncomfortable being handled)

How to gentle your kitten:

Gently pick up your kitten at least once a day and speak soothingly to him in a soft, quiet voice. Hold the kitten for 5 minutes or so before setting him down in a favorite spot.
After a few days, gradually sit down while holding the kitten. Talk to him quietly and pet him gently. Don't encourage rough play (scratching, biting). If he tries it, tell him firmly, 'No.' and gently put him down.
When kitty is comfortable with the first two steps, stroll around the room holding him and talking to him. Don't distract him with outside elements; he should be focused on totally.
Put the kitten on a well-lighted table and stroke him. You can talk baby-talk to him if you want. It's okay.
Next day, on the table, pick up a paw and press gently to extend the nails, examine the nails and toes, then gently examine the foot and leg. Get to know the normal feel of his limbs.
Back to the table again. This time, examine the kitten's ears visually. You may have to move his head about so you can see inside his ears. Feel the outside of the ears to familiarize yourself with them.
On the table again, gently palpitate (press gently) the kitten's abdomen. Stroke his back and sides, feeling for any abnormalities. Again, you're familiarizing yourself with his normal characteristics.
Open the kitten's mouth and look at the teeth. Rub your finger along the length of the teeth starting at the gum. Insert your index finger in the corner of his mouth to view the back teeth.
By now, your kitten should be totally comfortable with your handling of him, so grooming, teeth cleaning and toenail clipping should be a breeze. Give him a treat for being such a cooperative kitten.

Tips:

These steps should take about five minutes per session. Start with one session per day, and add more as needed, depending on the kitten's tolerance for handling.
As with all other forms of training, don't make it an adversarial experience. When kitty gets tired, or if he's just having a bad day, give him a hug and gently put him down. You can always try again later in the day, or even tomorrow.
As your kitten grows older, inspect him at least once a week. You can combine the inspection with his grooming session.

Cats are amazing creatures: strong, graceful, warm, intelligent and very, very loving and loyal companions - no matter what particular breed.

08-08-2003, 07:50 AM
skitten Confirmed User Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 217	QUOTE]Originally posted by Ironhorse Wow, that's Valium 'mellow' unless you have a dweeb little doggie [/QUOTE] No way - both of our cats are super mellow around the dog - and we have a pit bull! (Both of our kitties are orange by the way) I have always had cats (and always will) and I have noticed that when picking a kitten, the ones which are purring tend to be the best (although purring does not always denote happiness - it is a good indicator) Also, try to remember that kittens are babies - be patient - they will eventually stop crying & whining and in time, even get used to the dog. Kittens scratch because they aren't able to retract their claws - and they nibble because they are teething - this too will stop. There is a process which is known as "gentling". Handling an unruly cat can sometimes be difficult, but by training him from kittenhood to be handled, you'll be able to groom, clip toenails, and examine him routinely with his full cooperation. I am able to bathe both of my cats and brush their teeth - with virtually no resistance (it doesn't mean they are pleased...but it does show that they trust me and that they are not uncomfortable being handled) How to gentle your kitten: Gently pick up your kitten at least once a day and speak soothingly to him in a soft, quiet voice. Hold the kitten for 5 minutes or so before setting him down in a favorite spot. After a few days, gradually sit down while holding the kitten. Talk to him quietly and pet him gently. Don't encourage rough play (scratching, biting). If he tries it, tell him firmly, 'No.' and gently put him down. When kitty is comfortable with the first two steps, stroll around the room holding him and talking to him. Don't distract him with outside elements; he should be focused on totally. Put the kitten on a well-lighted table and stroke him. You can talk baby-talk to him if you want. It's okay. Next day, on the table, pick up a paw and press gently to extend the nails, examine the nails and toes, then gently examine the foot and leg. Get to know the normal feel of his limbs. Back to the table again. This time, examine the kitten's ears visually. You may have to move his head about so you can see inside his ears. Feel the outside of the ears to familiarize yourself with them. On the table again, gently palpitate (press gently) the kitten's abdomen. Stroke his back and sides, feeling for any abnormalities. Again, you're familiarizing yourself with his normal characteristics. Open the kitten's mouth and look at the teeth. Rub your finger along the length of the teeth starting at the gum. Insert your index finger in the corner of his mouth to view the back teeth. By now, your kitten should be totally comfortable with your handling of him, so grooming, teeth cleaning and toenail clipping should be a breeze. Give him a treat for being such a cooperative kitten. Tips: These steps should take about five minutes per session. Start with one session per day, and add more as needed, depending on the kitten's tolerance for handling. As with all other forms of training, don't make it an adversarial experience. When kitty gets tired, or if he's just having a bad day, give him a hug and gently put him down. You can always try again later in the day, or even tomorrow. As your kitten grows older, inspect him at least once a week. You can combine the inspection with his grooming session. Cats are amazing creatures: strong, graceful, warm, intelligent and very, very loving and loyal companions - no matter what particular breed.